Example #4

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100.Visual Python in a Computational Physics Course Edit

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Author: ^Add Dr. Richard P Olenick (University of Dallas)

Duration:45min

Level:Beginner

Category:education, university

Summary:

Using VPython physics students develop simulation programs to model a variety of physical systems.

The information below is only for the review process.

Description:

Most students entering college have not had a programming course at the high school level. Consequently, they lack knowledge of the structure of programs. We have tried using several computer languages in teaching a sophomore/junior level course on computational physics that have ranged from QuickBasic to C++ to Java. Recently we decided to switch to Python and VPython for developing physical simulations. Since VPython is easy to learn, produces navigable 3D animations as a side effect of physics computations, and supports full vector calculations, students can develop detailed models of systems. The result has been a shorter learning curve for students and more sophisticated simulations. Students feel the excitement of learning since they can produce programs that not only delve into physical application but also display three-dimensional graphics. In addition, students find that the object-oriented programming directly reflects the vector nature of physical laws. Students from the course will describe their simulations projects from the course that include simulations of baseball pitches, interacting galaxies, stable orbits around Lagrange points, and chaotic motion.

Attached Files ^Add

Attached files will not be made public even if the proposal is accepted. Authors may attach materials to the published talk after it is accepted. Any files attached here are for the review process only.

Uploaded	By	Size	File	Comment
Wed, 1 Nov 2006 17:03:57 -0400	Dr. Richard P Olenick	64.7 KB	Visual_Python_in_a_Computational_Physics_Course.pdf	Outline submitted per reviewer request
Thu, 2 Nov 2006 09:05:53 -0400	Douglas A Napoleone	36 bytes	blank.txt	Empty file to test a reported bug with the proposal system.
Thu, 2 Nov 2006 09:43:23 -0400	Dr. Richard P Olenick	65.9 KB	Visual_Python_in_a_Computational_Physics_Course_Revised_Outline.pdf	Revised Outline Indicating Demo Programs

Reviews ^Add

Reviews are now PUBLIC and can be viewed by the author of this proposal.
The assigned reviewers are: Andrew M. Kuchling; David Goodger; Jeff Rush; Kendall Clark; Michael Bernstein

David Goodger

This looks like a good talk now.

Original comment:

If a decent outline is added, I'll change my vote to +1.

I think VPython is great; I've played with it myself and used it to teach Python. The students (adults) were hooked instantly by the easy 3-D graphics and interaction.

Request for outline comment added.

I agree with Andrew that 30 minutes may be too short. Recommend a 45-minute time slot if possible.

+1 Thu, 30 Nov 2006 10:47:10 -0500

Andrew M. Kuchling

Looks like a great talk that can appeal to both the educational and scientific-programming audiences. The many demos will probably make this one of the more fun talks for attendees. Is 30 minutes enough time for all those demos, though, especially if several students will also be presenting? It may prove necessary to prune a few demos from the outline.

+1 Thu, 30 Nov 2006 10:47:10 -0500

Jeff Rush

Looks like a very interesting talk; good topic, flashy graphics, student involvement and a mature, available framework.

+1 Thu, 30 Nov 2006 10:47:10 -0500

Michael Bernstein

Aside from the other merits, flashy graphics are always popular. Aside from the fact that we don't have any lack of good material this year, I would suggest splitting this into to 30-minute slots. Perhaps the students could be encouraged to also make lightning talk presentations?

+1 Thu, 30 Nov 2006 10:47:10 -0500

Comments ^Add

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David Goodger

Proposal author: Please add an outline of your talk.

I think a VPython in education talk would be great, but it's hard to judge without an outline. Thanks.

Wed, 1 Nov 2006 14:54:40 -0400

David Goodger

Richard, thanks for the outline. It seems dry to me -- there's no explicit mention of examples/demos, which IMO are essential to a talk like this. (Open with a whiz-bang demo, and keep up the visuals throughout.)

If the topics listed are all examples (and I hope they are), please make that clear.

And please post a comment if you revise your attachment. The system doesn't notify us of attachment changes yet.

Thu, 2 Nov 2006 08:40:21 -0400

Dr. Richard P Olenick

Thanks, David, for you advice. I've attached a revised outline which shows that almost everything will be demonstrated.

Thu, 2 Nov 2006 09:44:35 -0400